Oooooh My Aching Back!

So we made it through the last blizzard of the season (?). Around ten to twelve inches of wet snow with an icy crust on top. Fun.

It was probably just another day in paradise for those of you with a massive honker of a snow blower. For the rest of us with the cheaper, smaller types that had no chance in snow like this, we resorted to shoveling.

We’re stilling feeling it today.

So, out of curiosity I attempted to find the best homemade, stiff/sore muscle remedies. Some make sense. Some are...different.

#1. Cold Pack

“Applying a cold pack on the affected muscle can help lessen pain and inflammation. The cold will constrict the blood vessels to reduce the flow of blood to the area.”

They say wrapping a handful of ice cubes in a thin towel….15 minutes at a crack for the first 72 hours! Or use a bag of frozen veggies! Personally I like mixed veggies.

After 24 hours, go to

#2. Hot Water Soak

Oooooh yeah, with epsom salts! 20 minutes, three times a day.

Now it gets a bit more interesting and please let me know if this is part of your regimen.

#3. Tart Cherry (is there another kind)

Eat one and one-half cup of tart cherries after a workout to prevent muscle pain.

You can also drink one cup of tart cherry juice, without adding any sugar, to reduce muscle inflammation and soreness.

#4. Turmeric

Mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder in one cup of milk. Heat it over a low flame. Drink this twice a day, sipping it slowly, for speedy internal healing.

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#5. Ginger (not Mary Ann?)

Wrap four tablespoons of freshly grated ginger in a tightly sealed piece of cotton or a cotton bag. Put it in hot water for less than one minute. Let it cool and then put it on the affected area for 15 minutes. Repeat the process several times a day for two to three days.

You can also drink three cups of ginger tea daily. To make this herbal tea, cut a small piece of ginger root and boil it in two cups of water for 10 minutes. Strain it, add a little honey and enjoy your tea. (You can also use ginger tea bags, available in health food stores.)

#6. Apple Cider Vinegar

Add two cups of apple cider vinegar to lukewarm bath water. Soak in this water for 15 to 20 minutes. Do this daily for a few days until you recover completely.

Another option is to add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and some honey to a glass of warm water. Drink it once daily for a week.

(bogus...you’re likely gonna heal in a few days anyway!)

#7. Cayenne Pepper

Mix one teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder with two tablespoons of olive oil. Apply this mixture to the affected area. Cover with a bandage and leave it on overnight. Do this for two or three days.

Alternatively, add five teaspoons of cayenne pepper to one-half cup of coconut oil. Warm the mixture slightly and allow it to sit for 24 hours. After 24 hours, strain the oil and store it in an airtight jar. Gently massage it into the affected muscle area two or three times a day for a few days until the pain is gone.

You can also sprinkle crushed cayenne pepper flakes on your salad, soup or other dishes to speed up recovery.

8. Rosemary

Boil three ounces of dried rosemary leaves in eight cups of water.

Remove from heat and let it steep for 20 minutes.

Soak the affected area in this solution for 15 minutes.

Do this two or three times a day for two to three days.

9. Mustard Oil

Chop 10 garlic cloves.

Heat them in four tablespoons of mustard oil until the cloves turn golden brown.